Argentina on brink of missing first World Cup since 1970

After missing chance after chance against Peru, Lionel Messi looked skyward as if seeking divine intervention.

Even that may not be enough to prevent Messi and Argentina from missing their first World Cup since 1970.

This grim reality is setting in for generations of Argentines who have never experienced such a thing, including Messi, who will turn 31 during the World Cup next year in Russia.

"One can’t ask more of Messi," Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said.

Yes and no.

In a decade of winning trophies for his Barcelona club, the best player of his generation has not delivered a single major trophy for Argentina. Russia might be the last chance — if he can get there.

In a goalless draw against Peru on Thursday, he was pretty much on his own, lacking the support he gets in Spain. He had a half-dozen chances, the best when he hit the post 35 seconds into the second half.

Only the top four advance automatically in South American qualifying. The fifth-place team can advance by winning a two-leg playoff with New Zealand.